Fitness/wellness related.. Burnout? Hairpats :(

[lolobeth802]

I've been an athlete (danced when I was young) or fitness fanatic my whole life, I'm 34. For the last 5 years, I've even taught several fitness classes several times a week. About a year ago, I just stopped loving it all. The whole Pinterest explosion and obsession of healthy is a good thing I know, but for some reason I'm annoyed and burnt out on it all. It's been my life for many years. For 10 years, I ran at least 30 miles a week. I mean, I loved fitness!!
In the last year, I've gained at LEAST 20lbs and in the last 6 months since quitting my job, I've exercised maaaaaybe a dozen times. I'm sort of itching to do something, but now can't find the motivation. I'm also comfy with my life, happy overall and kind of don't give a shit anymore, so it's more if a health thing, than an "I want to look hot in my bikini" (though that is still there!!)
I am now one of those people I never understood I still have my gym membership, but it's scary and humbling going into a place where I'm now fat and out of shape and everybody knows my name and remembers me differently. Maybe I need I new gym. I noticed a few of you mentioned Jillian Michaels... is he still On Demand? Also, it's pretty clear, the tried and true healthy way is to eat is clean, right?

[Deleted]

This is a new feeling for you, having previous been a fit person all your life, so be kind to yourself. A new gym might be a comfort to you, but remember that generally nobody really pays as much attention to you at the gym as you think they do. It might be a good thing to keep your familiar faces around for support!

Also you might want to tune out of fitness media for awhile. No pinterest, no articles. Do what you enjoy (maybe running with some good tunes each morning) and eat well and see where that takes you.

Good luck.

[wambam]

I think starting something new and exciting is probably going to be the best way to go right now since you're feeling so burnt out on your old activities. Maybe try something out of your comfort zone?

[no0b]

What do you think you would enjoy doing most (running, walking, yoga, strength, HIIT)? I would stick with that versus what other people might recommend, mainly because doing something that you enjoy would motivate you (but yes JM, is good). Start off small and don't set crazy goals only to feel let down if you don't meet them. Also, I know from experience, getting back into a routine is TOUGH. Be kind to your body and listen to it to avoid injury.

Eat as healthy as you can and when you feel up to it, it might not be bad to incorporate MFP just so you can see what you are eating if anything else.

Also DITTO @missusbee in regards to fitness media. Even when I'm regularly exercising sometimes I still feel the sads looking at those types of things.

[Deleted]

When you haven't worked out in a while, working out feels like a chore. It takes a few weeks for it to feel fun again. Try to manage your expectations. Whatever you choose to do will suck for the first few weeks.

[lolobeth802]

Thank you all so much for your kind words! Really helpful, honestly. It's almost like I need someone to say, hey, it's ok, go ahead do it. Staying away from the fitness related media will be huge for me. Having never had to take this step before, it again is very humbling, what am I so afraid of?! thanks again for the suggestions.

[Deleted]

As someone who has annoyingly gained a lot of weight over the years, I assure 20lbs is not that much and should certainly not keep you from the gym.

Sometimes we do things because we have to and that's okay too--I think showers are usually annoying, but I still take them every day:)

[lolobeth802]

Jul 24, 2014 8:13:36 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

As someone who has annoyingly gained a lot of weight over the years, I assure 20lbs is not that much and should certainly not keep you from the gym.

Sometimes we do things because we have to and that's okay too--I think showers are usually annoying, but I still take them every day:)

I hear you Honestly, I NEED to lose 20lb to be healthy, 30lbs is really where I should be though.

[FishChicks]

I know what you're talking about. I went from a 7 day a week gym habit to almost nothing at one point. What helped me get back to enjoying fitness was finding a new challenge. I signed up for my first half marathon and that got me energized. More recently i've taken up cycling and the fact that it's new for me (and I'm competitive) once again is making me more engaged. Maybe try something new?

[mrsukyankee]

My guess is that the extra 20-30 lbs has not made you fat. Like me, a Div 1 athlete and still playing field hockey at 45, you have unrealistic expectations of your body. I've taken fitness breaks (which is why I also gained 25-30 lbs) but what has brought me back is finding something I love to do - right now it's lifting weights. I started this journey 17 lbs heavier than I am and I was NOT EVEN CLOSE to the heaviest person at the gym - and even if I was, no one would be doing anything other than thinking, cool, she's here working out. So, find something you'll love that gets your body moving - don't focus on the weight so much right now but on just moving. Fall in love with it.

In terms of the weight loss thing - make small changes and do it slowly. I went for a max of 1/2 lb a week so it's taken me a long time to get these 17 lbs off, but it meant I could just make a few small changes and it worked. It doesn't feel like a chore to me unlike my weight loss attempts in the past. Good luck and feel free to pm me any time you need any support!

[shopgirl07]

Jillian Michaels is no good, don't try that.

I feel you. I ran 30 miles a week for years and was also a fitness instructor. I fell off the wagon for years and struggle to find my groove.

I workout at home and do HIIT workouts and I've also fallen in love with barre. I do Tracey Mallett and I've seen great results. You just have to find something you enjoy. It helps not to be responsible for other people's fitness as well.

[lolobeth802]

Man, you ladies are amazing. Thank you for the pick me up. (heart)